Women Athletes

Sports are a huge part of the world. It is a way to have friendly (or not so friendly) competition in the form of physical games. These games do take skill, talent, and hard work, which is why there are different levels when in comes to sports. There are amatures and the professionals. Over the years, professional leagues have succumb to the power of media. Sporting events have become a lucrative affair rather than a humble exhibition of skill.

This article from the website, Women’s Views on News, talks about the stereotypes put forth upon female athletes. It states how attractive female athletes gain more fame, wealth, and validation in their respected sport. Women’s sports are getting more and more media attention, and that is increasing the stereotypical “sexy woman” athlete. For example, Lolo Jones, an Olympic track star has received more media attention although she is not ranked as number one. Those who have beaten her, are frusterated at the attention her looks have given her. Many first ranked female athletes are trapped in the shadows of inferior female athletes who make more money than they are worth.

I believe this article tells the truth. When I think about all the female athletes that are endorsed my companies such as Nike and Adidas, they are very fit and attractive. I know that not all athletes look like that, but media has created an image of “the female athlete” to be fit, healthy, successful, and sexy. This image goes along the lines of male gaze and objectification. It shows young female athletes that they have to be pretty AND have skill in order to make it in the world of professional sports.

Men on the other hand don’t need to be the next face of GQ in order to be a successful athlete. They are rewarded on skill. Yes, looks do count and helps a lot, but for men, it isn’t a stereotype. Women are branded with one image, and one image only. And that is not fair.

The Lost Panel of “Persepolis”

This is my lost panel for “Persepolis” by Marjane Satrapti. My drawing is meant to tell a part of her childhood. Marjane had many influences as a child. Her family, God, and the world all have tried to push their influence on Marjane. This panel fits in during her fight with God, and her parents telling her the truth about their government. Her mind is changed many times, but she always goes back to believing what her heart tells her. And lastly,I drew it in color because Marjane’s life in anything but, black and white.

Needing Feminism

Feminism is more than a movement empowering women and gender equality. For some, it is more than that. I stumbled on a Tumber site while researching feminism. “Who Needs Feminism?” has posts from many different types of women and men. But, all share one thing in common, they NEED feminism.

There need for feminism almost falls into a faith. Feminism is their hope for the injustices in our society. Being told by your own brother to not believe in equal rights for women is heartbreaking. As a woman, it makes you question every person you know. How well do you know those closest to you? Are they on your side?

A man on this site says that he needs feminism for the justification of men who believe in equal rights for women. Not all men are women hating. But, there is a stereotype against women feminist that declare that they are all man hating. Those open minded men deserve the same treatment that female feminist want in return. Therefore, the NEED of feminism goes both ways.

Feminism

Feminism, feminism, feminism. What do I think about the word “feminism”?

I say that feminism is the word used to describe the socially constructed image and manor of what it means to be female. I initially thought of the word as a compliment. But now, feminism has many layers to it. Feminism can still be considered complimentory towards women who fit the image of what society thinks females should be. But, feminism also suffocated woman who are different. Those who don’t fit the “skinny, blemish-free, attractive” type, are forced to succumb to criticism.
Also, when it comes to men, having a feminine side is noted as unnatural and look down upon. Feminism in men portrays them as weak. Men are supposed to be the “alpha” one. This is another way that feminism is used negatively.
Therefore, feminism can be interpreted both negatively and positively. It all depends on your outlook on life.

PINK

Selena Gomez

When you think of “pink” what comes to mind?

For most people, they associate the word pink with females. Pink has a very feminist quality because it is a light and colorful and brings happiness. This also then leads to stereotypes. Pink is branded into our American society as a “girly” color. It symbolizes femininity. If a man wears pink, his sexuality is often questioned.

Chris Colfer

I find it interesting that the minds of America are so narrow minded. In other countries, like Europe, men are open to wearing colorful colors such as pink. It isn’t held against them as being feminine. The color pink in Europe also defines class, where as in America, we don’t make class distinctions by the color pink.

But, now a days, more men are wearing the color pink. I often hear guys who wear pink saying, “Only real men wear pink”. To me, I see those men as confident. They a confident on their sexuality, whether they be heterosexual or homosexual. Men’s clothing is also becoming very colorful. When I was in Boston, I was able to see the upscale men’s clothing store, Pink. At that time ( I was 7 years old), I thought it was the funniest thing in the world. Now, I find it very fashionable and I like seeing a guys wearing pink more often.

Bruno Mars

What’s the Difference?

The terms girl, boy, woman, and man, are very general terms used to describe males and females. But, what exactly is the difference between girl and woman, and boy and man?

I believe that the terms “boy and girl” are used in two separate ways. First of all, these two words can be used in place of male and female. Especially when talking to young children, using these more common words are easier for them to understand. The words “boy and girl” are also used when talking about children. There is an innocence and simplicity to these two words that are very different from “man and woman”.

Happy, Innocence, Youth, School

The terms “man and woman” are a more mature version of “boy and girl. One is a boy before he is a man and one is a girl before she becomes a woman. Contradicting the innocence and simplicity, the term “man”, to me, brings to mind authority, strength, sexiness, and maturity. The term “woman” brings to mind sophistication, maturity, independence, and beauty.

Sophistication, Maturity, Professional, Age

Overall, every has their own interpretation of what is what. I feel that although there is a general difference between “boy and girl” and “man and woman”, there is no harm in interchanging them. For example, calling an older woman a young girl can be taken as a compliment. But, on the other hand, males have it harder to switch between being called a boy or a man. Over a certain age (probably around 13 years old) a boy is “supposed to become a man”. What makes a boy a man? For females, a girl usually becomes a women when she begins puberty and is able to reproduce. But for men, it’s not necessarily their bodily changes which make them “men”.

General Stereotypes

There are basic stereotypes that our society brands each gender.

Female:
Weak
Dependent
Emotional
Nurturing
Judgmental

Male:
Strong/Muscular
Smelly
Carefree
One-Track Minded
Protective

I find it extremely irritating that women are associated with being weak. Being an athlete in sports such as wrestling, martial arts, and track, I’ve faced a lot of gender discrimination. Many people just assume that when it comes to physical activity, women are completely inferior. I know many strong women, physically and mentally, who can show a man a few things about being strong.

Masculine and Feminine

The words masculine and feminine can be interpreted in many different ways. To me, masculine defines how “manly” a male is. When referring to a man, the word masculine reflects positively on them. But, when masculine is used to describe a female, there is a hint of negativity and criticism. Likewise, I feel the same goes for the word feminine. When used to describe a woman, it is perfectly fine, and even complimentary. But, when used to describe a man, it often comes across as offending.
I believe the words feminine and masculine partly come from the words female and male. The general definitions given to them are based upon old beliefs and have been seared into the fabric of our society. The beliefs which I am referring to are the ideas that man is superior to woman, and that woman was made to be subject to man. Although there are cultures still believeing in male dominance, our Western culture has opened up to the equality of men and women. This allows for the definitions of masculine and feminine to be interpreted differently and continually changing within our society.
Although the basic differences between masculine and feminine are the same, the subject being described by either word continues to change. These two words can no longer remain “black and white” and neither can our society. I believe that everything today, including how we perceive masculine and feminine traits, are in the gray.